Bermuda shortlisted for America's Cup

In a Statement by Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier, he said that the short-listing of Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, as a host for the 2017 America’s Cup, was a “Great opportunity to showcase Bermuda on the world stage – our people, our island, our rich maritime heritage, our way of life." Representatives of the America’s Cup Event Authority visited the Island in March to inspect possible event locations and racecourses in The Great Sound. Following the invitation to bid for the race, Dr. Gibbons organized a small bid team with representatives from the private sector, the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

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Premier Craig Cannonier continued:“The team worked flat-out for three weeks to put together an extraordinary bid document that we submitted to the Authority,” Dr. Gibbons said. “We were subsequently informed that Bermuda had been moved to the second round in which our bid would be considered against three other locations."

“Our team is now in the process of working with the America’s Cup Event Authority to secure corporate sponsorships, which are a prime requirement in determining the successful final bid.”

Bermuda’s bid to host the competition started in March following an invitation from the Authority to place a bid.

In the next month or so, the Authority will narrow the selection to just two possible locations, with the final decision by September. If Bermuda is successful in being selected as one of two final locations, it will be assured a World Series event, which is part of the challenger series for the Cup, regardless of whether it is ultimately successful in its bid to host the finals.

The invitation to Bermuda to bid has suprised commentators as the island is not thought ot have the inferstructure to run such a complex international event. It is almost unheard of for the America's Cup finals to be held outside of the defender's home waters.

If Bermuda is successful in being selected as one of two final locations, it will be assured a World Series event, which is part of the challenger series for the Cup, regardless of whether it is ultimately successful in its bid to host the finals.

More importantly for the challengers, there is still no official release of the AC62 Class Rule or the event Protocol, thus delaying the challengers from arranging commercial sponsors or moving forward with designs - all part of the great America's Cup game.